The Ascent Two Class-A Dual-Mono Microphone Preamplifier/DI from Phoenix Audio takes a modern approach to Class-A circuit design and delivers a wide range of tones without sacrificing the beloved vibe of true Class-A design. The dual-mono mic preamp can be used with all microphones including ribbons and dynamic mics to drive the output stage for a vast range of pure Class-A tones—from bold clarity to vintage warmth in broadcast TV or recording studio applications.

Featuring a -15 dB input pad, LED gain metering, and push buttons for high-pass filter, phase reverse, and 48V phantom power, the Ascent Two dual-microphone preamplifier offers a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Other features include: two XLR and two TRS 1/4" DI input connectors, two XLR and two TRS 1/4" outputs. Additionally, the Vari-Filter controls allow you to control and shape tones of all types.

Class-A, Transformerless Mic Input Stage    DSOP-2 Class-A Discrete Output Stage    Wired with PTFE Silver Plated Cable    -15 dB Input Pad    2-LED Gain Metering    High-Pass, Phase Reverse on Push Buttons    48V Phantom on Push Buttons    1 RU

The Ascent Two Mic Preamp/DIs take a modern approach to Class-A circuit design that delivers a wide range of tones without sacrificing the beloved vibe of true Class-A design. The Ascent circuit can go from ultra-clean sounds suitable for audiophile recordings all the way to the warm, saturated tones reminiscent of the UK's most heralded vintage designs.

The mic preamp's electronically-balanced, transformerless mic input circuit delivers fast transients and the full-frequency spectrum (from sub-bass to the highest air band), while still delivering the full, warm, and smooth characteristics that make engineers love Class-A mic preamps. Boldly outperforming transformer-based designs in both the frequency response and slew rate, the Ascent delivers articulate, punchy, and full-bodied input signals, allow you to drive the output stage for a vast range of pure Class-A tones, from bold clarity, to vintage warmth, and to everything in-between.

The DB694 output transformer is coupled to Phoenix's proprietary, fully discrete DSOP-2 output amplifier. The DSOP-2 is a direct descendent of the venerable TF1 amp, which Phoenix's head designer, David Rees, developed as an upgrade for vintage Neve modules. Going beyond the TF1, the DSOP-2 is the pinnacle of Class-A output circuit design, offering up a smooth transition from ultra-clean to beautifully saturated tones.

The Ascent Two mic pre series includes very high input impedance DI circuits (10 MOhm), remarkably featuring no FETs on any channel. This design means that guitar and bass pickups are not loaded, allowing the natural sound of both modern and vintage instruments to shine and enhance the sound, and sparkle and growl as if they were plugged into your favorite amp. Synths, drum machines, and even laptops can likewise be sweetened by the Ascent's DI.

Working with a clean, robust, electronically balanced input signal, the Ascent Two Mic Preamp/DI makes dialing in your exact sound easy, intuitive, and quick. By working the familiar stepped input gain control (up to 70 dB alone) and the -30 dB pad against the variable output fader (which provides an additional 10 dB of gain), you can dial in your preferred tones without having to consider an overly complex gain architecture. It's all about driving the versatile DSOP-2 output stage to your exacting tastes, whatever they may be in any given moment.

Powerful variable high-pass filter from 70 Hz to 400 Hz allowing you the ability to control and shape tones of all types.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Would this work with a digital voice recorder? (i.e. Olympus WS-822?) Thanks!

A: No. It is compatible with mobile phones or tablets that offer a 1/8 TRRS Connector

Q: 2. Is this compatible with the Sony FS7 to send audio to channels 3 & 4?

A: Based on Sony's website, this is not compatible with the FS-7.

Q: 3. Is this compatible with Sony a6000? Based off online responses, it seemed it was but when connected, the camera says it is incompatible. Is this operator error or does this not work with the a6000?

A: The Sony XLR-K3M is not listed as officially compatible with the Sony A6000, according to Sony's compatibility list.

Q: 4. Is this compatible with dsrl cameras like Sony Alpha 7a II?

A: It is compatible with Mobile Phones or Tablets only and not designed for use with DSLR cameras or camcorders.

Q: 5. I guess this mic can be used on iPhone as well & monitor the sound via a Bluetooth headphone. Correct me if I am wrong?

A: You would need a Rode SC7 cable and an Apple Lightning to Headphone Jack adapter to be able to do that. If you want to monitor via bluetooth, you can do that but keep in mind that because of the latency in bluetooth processing, your audio will likely come into your headphones delayed.

Q: 6. Will this support a shotgun mic plus the Sony uwpd- 2 person receiver? I would like shotgun audio plus two lav channels. Is that possible?

A: This XLR adapter is capable of two channel operation only.

Q: 7. Would this work if I plug it in straight into my Canon 7D? Thanks.

A: The MVL lavalier is designed specifically for smartphone use and unfortunately would not be compatible with the input on a camera or portable recorder.

Q: 8. The Sony a6000 does not have any audio jacks on board. Would this allow external audio to be recorded to that body?

A: Yes. The A6000 uses a cable-free connection to send audio into the camera through Sony's Multi-Interface Shoe.

Q: 9. What is the difference between the analog signal I get from my k2m to the digital signal I might get from the K3m. I don’t know if it’s worth upgrading time the K3m if I buy the a7siii. (I now shoot with the a7iii w the k2m)

A: When connected via the Multi Interface Shoe of a compatible camera, such as the Sony a7SIII, this unit acts as a digital audio interface and will send the converted digital audio directly to the camera. This will allow for virtually no degradation of signal. Currently, the analog audio is converted within your camera. which I am sure is providing good quality audio, but this is another improvement you may want to choose if you upgrade to the new camera.

Q: 10. Is this compatible with dslr cameras? Does it need phantom power? Thanks

A: This is powered by the smart phone. It is not compatible with DSLR cameras. It is compatible with Mobile Phones or Tablets only.